West Ham United

West Ham United

Premier League • England

David Moyes sack latest: David Sullivan issues 11-word West Ham statement as talk of big-name replacement ramps up

West Ham manager David Moyes

West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has issued an 11-word response to growing rumours that David Moyes is facing the sack following a disastrous result at Brighton.

The Hammers bounced back to form in impressive fashion with a 4-0 win over Nottingham Forest last weekend. However, a 3-1 midweek FA Cup exit at the hands of Manchester United and Saturday’s 4-0 horrorshow on the south coast is very much viewed as one step forward and two back.

The result was as miserable as the performance from Moyes’ men, who have won only 15 of their last 52 Premier League outings under the Scot.

The Hammers are currently 16th in the table but only two points above the relegation places.

Moyes admitted afterwards that he understood the chants of “you don’t know what you’re doing”‘ and “sacked in the morning”.

“I totally understand,” said Moyes.

“They’ve been watching a really good team for the last three years, a team that’s been finishing sixth or seventh in the Premier League, that’s got into the semi-final of Europe, who’s just won the group in Europe again, so I understand it’s hard to come and watch that performance.”

He added: “There was anger from everybody. Anger from the supporters, anger from the manager. The players are angry, they’re disappointed with themselves.

“That’s the way it’s got to be – we’re not accepting what’s happened today.

“We’re going to try to do something about it, to make sure the next performance is better.

“We need them [the fans] behind us. Good supporters support when it’s bad as well as good. And for the last few years it’s been really good here.”

Sullivan still backing Moyes

Despite their struggles, Moyes has received the backing of Sullivan – although rumours of former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez taking over continue to intensify.

Speaking after the game, majority stakeholder Sullivan said: “We are behind the manager. Despite a very poor performance today.”

Moyes now faces a critical week of action, with the Hammers heading to Cyprus to face AEK Larnaca in the Europa Conference League before taking on Aston Villa in a must-win clash at the London Stadium next Sunday.

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